CLEVELAND, Ohio - In a baseball era dominated by analytics and offensive metrics, Austin Hedges represents the ultimate paradox. The Guardians ’ backup catcher might be one of the least productive hitters in baseball, but he remains a critical piece for a team battling for a playoff spot.

When casual fans look at Hedges’ offensive numbers, the reaction is predictable: How can a team possibly justify giving at-bats to someone hovering around the Mendoza Line? It’s a question that bothers cleveland.com columnist Terry Pluto, as he pointed out on the latest Terry’s Talkin’ podcast .

“I get very upset when people start dwelling on Hedges,” Pluto said. “We’re talking about a backup catcher. People say, ”You know, if they had (Kansas City’s) Luke Maile or some other backup catcher, suddenl

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